Children Need to Play, Not Compete by Jessica Statsky - Book Report/Review Example

 Certain physical actions can be harmful to them and they are unable to cope with the mental pressure involved in the competition. It is an age when children are developing in all respects and sports ought to be a source of joy for them. Research has proved that injuries or fear of injuries have a discouraging effect on children and some may prefer to keep out. Future promising sportsmen are lost in this way. The process of selection for competitions also leads children to lose their confidence.

They may begin to underestimate themselves if they are not selected and never feel an urge to participate. It is not good for children to win and lose like adults. There is a general tendency to apply adult principles to children’s activities. The parents and coaches seem to be more interested in competition rather than sport, and often make it a prestige issue. On the whole, the writer concludes that competitive sports are not suitable for children. Yong children ‘deserve sports programs designed specifically for their needs and abilities,” states Jessica Starsky.

According to Jessica Stasky “…organized sports for children have increased dramatically in the U.S.” it must be noted that adults organize sports events for children, just as bull-fights and cock-fights were organized in ancient times by human beings to satisfy their pleasure instincts. Nobody gives a thought to the opinions or willingness of the children who are forced to participate. It is parents who make a prestige issue of winning and losing in sports, as they do in academics.

“Too many adults have won as the only goal. Even though they may deny it verbally, their behavior reflects a winning-is-everything attitude. ( Martens R. 1978). Children are more interested in participation and fun without any kind of pressure of competition. Nobody will agree that the delicate and developing bodies of children should be subjected to risk of injury. On the contrary, they need safety and protection. Fred Engh reported that “…he had witnessed much ugliness in children’s sports.

He attributed this to vicarious parents who will stop at nothing to push their child unmercifully to be a star athlete and will cheat, bend the rules, and even risk the safety of children.”( In Humphrey and Deborah 2002) Children need a free environment in which they can decide what to play and how to enjoy it. Too much competition fills them with fear. It is like a burden to them. Fear of losing can kill their spirit. Starting with competition too early in life is extremely harmful and must be avoided.

A 10-year-old boy played badminton daily and used his right hand to hold the racquet. Once, he jerked his hand with such force that his shoulder ligaments which were already stretched with practice snapped and he experienced severe pain. He had to give up playing the game and also found trouble performing other activities like writing. Some children get badly injured and playing a game becomes a trauma for them. They try to think of various excuses for not playing. A game ought to be enjoyed by the players first.

If there is too much competition, the fun element is compromised and children often begin to dislike the game.“Parents, spectators, and coaches can keep the fun in children’s sports by realizing that positive support produces better outcomes.” (Thiebaut 2000)The purpose of sports is to inculcate in children a sporting spirit and certain values and qualities like leadership, teamwork, physical fitness, and a healthy balanced mind. Exercise must suit their strength and ability and should not be stressful in any way.

Excess of physical exercise or mental stress may affect the general health of the child and he may not remain fit for anything.